Description
This dish combines juicy garlic butter-seared chicken bites with a creamy Cajun Alfredo macaroni and a crunchy onion topping. It’s rich, flavorful, and texturally satisfying—perfect for weeknight indulgence or weekend showstoppers.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
0.5 cup reserved pasta water as needed
0.5 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
1. Season chicken with paprika, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water and drain.
3. Heat skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sear chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Add minced garlic in the last minute. Remove and keep warm.
4. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cooked pasta to sauce. Stir to coat and loosen with reserved water if needed. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
7. Serve pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with crispy onions and chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the Alfredo sauce to ensure smooth melting.
Always add the crispy onions just before serving for max crunch.
Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, Cajun Alfredo, mac and cheese, crispy onion topping